Situates the controversial narrative of 'The English Musical Renaissance' within its wider historical context. Throughout the nineteenth century a fierce debate about the future of English music was raging in Britain. Just as English music was appearing to advance in quality, the impact of Richard Wagner altered the course of the debate. Alarmed at the Wagnerian influence on English composers, critics expressed relief when that influence appeared to abate, and then presented English music as the antidote to Wagnerian decadence. However, the optimism that England was in a position to lead the musical world was short-lived and a new generation of critics found English composition - with the exception of Elgar - severely lacking. The book identifies themes such as materialism and nationalism that emerged during the debate. It also places the narrative of 'The English Musical Renaissance' within its rightful wider historical context.

"This is a substantial and important book, continuing the welcome trend towards scholarship that is focussed more on the neglected hinterland of musicians' working environments and formative experiences than the celebrated and well-catered-for monolithic icons of cultural heritage, such as individual composers and institutions." - The Consort